Beauvaria Bassiana Research Articles

Management of Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) Using Biopesticides and Botanicals

The field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2023 at the Organic Research Farm Karguaji, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (U.P.). Nine treatments were tested: neem oil, garlic bulb extract, Bacillus thuringiensis, karanj oil, panchgavya, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and a control, under a randomized block design. Three sprays of treatments were applied. The results showed that neem oil at 2 ml/L resulted in the minimum shoot damage (7.82%), followed by Bacillus thuringiensis at 5 gm/L and NSKE at 5 ml/L. To manage fruit infestation caused by brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Bacillus thuringiensis and neem oil were themost effective treatments, followed by Beauvaria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The maximum yield and highest cost benefit ratio were found with Bacillus thuringiensis (1:3.15), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (1:3.07) and Beauveria bassiana (1:3.04).

Assessment of major insect pests of golden melon (Cucumis melo L.) and control with commercial Beauvaria bassiana in Abeokuta Southwestern, Nigeria

Pest infestation is a major challenge in production of golden melon, this study evaluated the performance of Beauvaria bassiana, a non-residual bio-pesticide, for effectiveness against insect pests of golden melon. The field experiment was carried out in 2022 to establish the effect of B. bassiana sprayed at different growth stages on the abundance of insect pests, damage, agronomic characteristics and fruit quality of golden melon. The results showed Aulacophora spp., Aphis gossypii, Epilachna chrysomelina, Bemisia tabaci Coridius viduatus and Zonocerus variegatus as the insect pests attacking golden melon in the study area. However, the population densities of Aulacophora spp. and E. chrysomelina were significantly lower in golden melon sprayed with B. bassiana at all compared to other spray treatments and the control. Percentage leaf damage and yield loss (20.81% and 327.70 g) in golden melon sprayed with B. bassiana at all stages were similar to lambda-cyhalothrin-sprayed plot (13.68 % and 318. 70 g). Also, highest percent leaf damage and yield losses (81.54 % and 1395.70 %) were obtained in the control plots relative to other spray treatments. Number of leaves and percentage increase in vine length were significantly higher in the golden melon sprayed with B. bassiana at all stages. There was 215.80 % increase in yield of golden melon sprayed with B. bassiana at all stages over the control in the study. Also, the nutritional composition of the fruits from the untreated plots was similar to that of the treated plots

Laboratory Evaluation of the Efficiency of The Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauvaria bassiana as a Biological Control Factor Against the Cucurbit Fly, Dacus ciliates

Al-Shweily, B.M., J.B. El-Zidawi and M.J. Hinnawi. 2024. Laboratory Evaluation of the Efficiency of The Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauvaria bassiana as a Biological Control Factor Against the Cucurbit Fly, Dacus ciliates. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(3): 335-339. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001260 The cucurbit fly, Dacus ciliatus is a major pest which attack a wide range of crops and causes significant losses in agricultural production. Due to the high toxicity of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment, scientists focused on developing alternative safe methods to control this insect, including the use of biocontrol agents. Beauveria bassiana is one of the common fungi used as a bio-control agent. This entomopathogenic fungus was cultivated on Petri dishes containing PDA. The spore suspension of this fungus was prepared using sterilized distilled water, and three concentrations were used: 20×106 , 10×106 and 5×106 spores/ml. The effectiveness of these three concentrations was tested on larvae and pupae of the studied insect. The larval mortality rate ranged from 73.33% at the highest concentration to 33.33% at the lowest concentration used. Pupal mortality reached 66.66% at the highest concentration and 16.66% at the lowest concentration of spore suspension. Mortality rate was directly proportional to the spore suspension concentration of the entomopathogenic fungus. Keywords: Cucurbit fly, agricultural pest, biological control, Dacus ciliates, Beauveria bassiana, entomopathogenic fungi.

Effect of Selected Biopesticides and Chemicals against Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (L.)] on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The research work was undertaken at Central Research Farm (CRF) Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Naini, Prayagraj during Rabi season in 2022- 23. Experiment consists of eight treatments including control viz. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.3ml/lit, Emamectin benzoate 1.9 EC @ 5ml/lit, Bacillus thurigiensis 1x109 CFU/ml @ 2.5g/lit, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3ml/lit, Indoxcarb 14.5 SC @ 0.5ml/lit, Metarhizium anisiopilae 1x109 CFU/ml @ 2.5gm/lit, Beauvaria bassiana 1.15 % WP @ 2.5gm/lit and untreated control in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Data was taken on the mean larval population of chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera on third, seventh and fourteen days after spray. Spraying revealed that the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (2.36) found to be superior followed by Spinosad 45 SC (2.70), Emamectin benzoate 1.9EC (2.77), Indoxcarb 14.5 SC (2.98), Bacillus thurigiensis 1x109 CFU/ml (3.17), Beauvaria bassiana 1.15% WP (3.45), Metarhizium anisiopilae 1x109 CFU/ml (3.79) was found to be least effective among all the treatments as compared to control (5.64). Based on yield and cost benefit ratio the best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (26.83 q/ha) (1:3.49), followed by Spinosad 45SC (23.08 q/ha) (1:2.83), Emamectin benzoate 1.9EC(20.03q/ha) (1:2.66), Bacillus thurigiensis 1x109 CFU/ml (17.50 q/ha) (1:2.32), Indoxcarb 14.5 SC (17.66 q/ha) (1:2.29), Beauvaria bassiana 1.15 % WP (12.00 q/ha) (1:1.60), Metarhizium anisiopilae 1x109 CFU/ml (11.08 q/ha) (1:1.47) and untreated control (9.08) (1:1.27) ratio.

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Selected bio Pesticides with Chlorantraniliprole Against Tomato Fruit Borer [Helicoverpa Armigera (Hubner)] on Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L

The field trial was conducted at Central Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, UP during Rabi, 2022–2023. The experiment was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design). Eight treatments were evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera i.e., (T1) Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (T2) ½Dose Chlorantraniliprole + Nisco sixer plus 2ml/lit (T3) Spinosad 45% SC (T4) Nisco sixer plus 2ml/lit (T5) Neem seed kernel extract 5% (T6) Azadirachtin 5% (T7) Beauvaria bassiana and (T0) untreated Control Were tested to compare the efficacy against Helicoverpa armigera and their influences on yield of Tomato. The best and most economical treatment T1 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (1:10.), followed by T2 ½Dose Chlorantraniliprole + Nisco sixer plus 2ml/lit (1:10.0) T3 Spinosad 45% SC (1:8.7), T4 Nisco sixer plus 2ml/lit (1:8.1), T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5% (1:6.9), T6 Azadirachtin 5% (1:6.5), T7 Beauvaria bassiana (1:5.8), T0 untreated control (1:4.9) having lowest B:C ratio. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, ½Dose Chlorantraniliprole + Nisco sixer plus 2ml/lit, Spinosad 45% SC, Nisco sixer plus 2ml/lit recorded the minimum fruit infestation by 8.57, 9.60, 10.66, 11.35 percent respectively. The highest yield was noticed in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (240.5 q/ha), followed by ½Dose Chlorantraniliprole + Nisco sixer plus 2ml/lit (232.5 q/ha) and Spinosad (200 q/ha).

Nutritional Profile and Ecological Interactions of Yeast Symbionts Associated with North American Spruce Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis).

To better understand functional ecology of bark beetle-microbial symbioses, we characterized yeast associates of North American spruce beetle (Dendroctous rufipennis Kirby) across populations. Seven yeast species were detected; Wickerhamomyces canadensis (Wickerham) Kurtzman et al. (Sachharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae) was the most common (74% of isolates) and found in all populations. Isolates of W. canadensis were subsequently tested for competitive interactions with symbiotic (Leptographium abietinum, = Grosmannia abietina) and pathogenic (Beauvaria bassiana) filamentous fungi, and isolates were nutritionally profiled (protein and P content). Exposure to yeast headspace emissions had isolate-dependent effects on colony growth of symbiotic and pathogenic fungi; most isolates of W. canadensis slightly inhibited growth rates of symbiotic (L. abietinum, mean effect: - 4%) and entomopathogenic (B. bassiana, mean effect: - 6%) fungi. However, overall variation was high (range: - 35.4 to + 88.6%) and some yeasts enhanced growth of filamentous fungi whereas others were consistently inhibitory. The volatile 2-phenylethanol was produced by W. canadensis and synthetic 2-phenylethanol reduced growth rates of both L. abietinum and B. bassiana by 36% on average. Mean protein and P content of Wickerhamomyces canadensis cultures were 0.8% and 7.2%, respectively, but isolates varied in nutritional content and protein content was similar to that of host tree phloem. We conclude that W. canadensis is a primary yeast symbiont of D. rufipennis in the Rocky Mountains and emits volatiles that can affect growth of associated microbes. Wickerhamomyces canadensis isolates vary substantially in limiting nutrients (protein and P), but concentrations are less than reported for the symbiotic filamentous fungus L. abietinum.

Prospective of mycorrhiza and Beauvaria bassiana silica nanoparticles on Gossypium hirsutum L. plants as biocontrol agent against cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis

BackgroundPlant-herbivorous insects are a severe danger to the world’s agricultural production of various crops. Insecticides used indiscriminately resulted in habitat destruction due to their high toxicity, as well as disease resistance. In this respect, the development of a sustainable approach to supreme crop production with the least damage is a crucially prerequisite. As a result, the current study was carried out to understand the potential effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi along with Beauvaria bassiana silica nanoparticles (Si NPs) as a new approach to increase cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. Merr.) defense against an insect herbivore, Spodoptera littoralis. AM and non-AM cotton plants were infested with S. littoralis and then sprayed with a biopesticide [B. bassiana Si NPs] or a chemical insecticide (Chlorpyrifos).ResultsThe gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of B. bassiana Si NPs fungal extract showed that the major constituents identified were Oleyl alcohol, trifluoroacetate, 11-Dodecen-1-AL and 13-Octadecenal, (Z)-(CAS). Besides, results revealed a highly significant decrease in growth parameters in S. littoralis infested plants, however, with AM fungal inoculation a substantial improvement in growth traits and biochemical parameters such as protein and carbohydrates contents was observed. In addition, stimulation in proline and antioxidant enzymes activity and a decrease in malondialdehyde content were observed after AM inoculation.ConclusionAM fungi mitigate the harmful effects of herbivorous insects by strengthening the cotton plant’s health via enhancing both morphological and biochemical traits that can partially or completely replace the application of chemical insecticides.

Nondetrimental impact of two concomitant entomopathogenic fungi on life history parameters of a generalist predator, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The non-persistent impact of biocontrol agents can be revealed for pest control when associated entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) negatively affect the natural enemies. In this assay, impacts of Beauvaria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin were studied for their compatibility or side effects on life table parameters of an important generalist predator, Coccinella septempunctata L. The results indicated non-significant impacts of both EPFs on life table parameters of C. septempunctata. The development time (egg-adult) was not significantly different in control (69.79 days) and EPFs treated C. septempunctata (69.35–80.07 days). Both fungi did not induce any significant changes in the fecundity, adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total preoviposition period (TPOP), and mean generation time (T) as compared to control treatment. Similarly, no difference in fecundity rate of C. septempunctata was observed after EPFs treatment (287.7–288.5) compared to control (290.0). The highest net reproductive rate (R0) occurred in control (87.05 offspring individual−1) and M. anisopliae (86.31 offspring individual−1) as compared to B. bassiana treated beetles (76.97 offspring individual−1). The age-specific fecundity curves indicated that the C. septempunctata had a similar fecundity rate in both EPFs treatments and control. This study demonstrates no significant side effects of B. bassiana and M. anispoliae on the performance and biology of C. septempunctata. Considering the compatibility of both EPFs with C. septempunctata, their combinations can be recommended in various integrated pest management programs.

Efficiency of Some Chemical and Bio-Insecticides Against Onion Thrips, Thrips Tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the main problems and yields limiting factors in the onion fields (Allium cepa L.). In the present work, an effort was made to study the relative susceptibility of different onion cultivars to infestation with the onion thrips, evaluation of some chemical and bio-insecticides against T. tabaci and to study the effect of meteorological factors on its population density. The results showed that T. tabaci infest all the tested cultivars more or less, however cultivar Red Giza showed to be the most tolerant against T. tabaci infestation among the other cultivars. Giza 6 was the most susceptible among the cultivars followed by Beheri, Giza 20 and finally White Giza. However, there were no significant different among the White Giza and Red Giza cultivars.The tested insecticides can be arranged according to their efficacyagainst nymphs of T. tabaci in descending order as follows; spinetoram, pyridalyl,imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin, dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen, malathion, azadirachtin and finally Beauvaria bassiana. On the other hand, these insecticides can be arranged according to the general means of reduction percentages of T. tabaci adults in a descending order as follows; pyridalyl, spinetoram, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen, malathion, Beauvaria bassiana and azadirachtin.The results of the population trends of T. tabaci revealed that the onion thrips had two generations during the onion growing period. There was a significantly negative correlation (P˂0.05) between population density of onion thrips and relative humidity. The results also revealed that the temperature positively and significantly affect T. tabaci population in both seasons2020 and 2021.

Laboratory evaluation of two isolates of Meterhizium anisopliae and Beauvaria bassiana to control infesting by Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) larvae

Trogoderma granarium Everts (Khapra beetle) is a serious pest of stored barley and wheat worldwide. The current research evaluates the efficacy of local isolates of Meterhizium anisopliae and Beauvaria bassiana compared to an imported isolates when khapra larvae sprayed with concentration of later isolates under laboratory condition, mortalities were recorded for more than two weeks after treatment. Results demonstrated that the larvae were more susceptible to the local isolates of the two fungi than the imported isolates. Cumulative mortalities were 86.67 and 50 when larvae sprayed with 109 conidia/ml of local and imported isolates of M. anisopliae respectively, and 86.67 and 66.67 when larvae sprayed with 109 conidia/ml of laocal and imported isolates of B. bassiana respectively after two weeks. The findings of the current study clearly showed that the local isolates caused higher mortalities than the imported one so they may be used as a good candidates for pragmas of integrated pest management of stored grain pests.

Compatibility of Entomopathogenic Fungi, Beauvaria bassiana (Bals. -Criv.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchn) Sorokin Isolates with Different Agrochemicals Commonly Used in Vineyards.

Compatibility studies of biological control agents with different agrochemicals have paramount importance to provide proper guidelines for their integrated use and time of application of these agents. The effect of twenty-one different agrochemical formulations commonly used in vineyards including 10 fungicides, 5 insecticides, 2 acaricides and four plant growth regulators on conidial germination and vegetative growth of entomopathogenic fungi; B. bassiana MN710408 and M. anisopliae MN710409 was tested under laboratory conditions. The results of this study showed that among tested fungicides, copper hydroxide formulation was highly compatible with both fungal isolates, it even stimulated conidial germination at all tested concentrations. Also, Copper- sulphate® showed a high stimulant effect with B. bassiana isolate and to a lesser extent with M. anisopliae isolate. The neonicotinoids were compatible with both fungal isolates at certain concentrations. Lufenuron® showed a stimulation effect to both fungal isolates. Regarding plant growth regulators, the Dormex® formulation completely inhibited conidial germination and vegetative growth of both fungal isolates at field recommended concentration, while other types of these agrochemicals showed various degrees of compatibility depending on the fungal isolate.

Effect of Using The Entomopathogenic/Endophytic Fungus, Beauvaria bassiana on Quality of Sweet Potato Crop and Associated Insects Under Sohag Governorate Conditions

This work was conducted during two successive seasons (2018 and 2019) at the experimental research station, Shandweel, Sohag, Egypt to study the effectiveness addition methods of the fungus, Beauvariabassiana on growth, yield quality and some of the chemical constituents, moreover, associated insects and their damages to vegetative and storage roots growth were calculated of sweet potato plants growing under Sohag governorate conditions. The obtained results indicated that the different addition treatments of B. bassiana wereshowed an increase in growth traits when the plants were sprying twice by B. bassiana given the highest values of plant length, fresh weight compared with other treatments studied in both seasons. The gained results of yield and its contents included that addition of B.bassianain soil twice gave the best values of total yield, marketable yield, theaverage weight of storage roots as well as highest dry matter percentage of storage roots compared with other treatments, at the same time the control treatment showed the lowest of values of all studied traits in both seasons. Soil application of B. bassiana twice was affected significantly on chemical constituents of sweet potato storage roots (nitrogen%, phosphorus%, potassium%, Protein% and starch%) except potassium% and starch in the first season. Twice foliar application of fungus was the most effective application on leave defoliators and recorded the lowest number of whiteflies.

The Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi for Antestia Bugs (<i>Antetiopsis intircata</i>: Pentatomidea, Hemimptera) Control

Antestia bug (<i>Antestiopsis intricata</i>) is the major coffee insect pest affecting coffee productions in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was carried out to evaluate entomopathogenic fungi based management options for antestia bug control. The efficacy test of entomopathogenic fungi was done under laboratory condition in Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Entomology and Pathology laboratories. The entomopathogenic fungi isolates were brought from Haramaya University and Ambo Agricultural Research Center. Seven isolates of <i>Beauvaria bassiana</i> (DLCO-12, APPRC-0247, DLCO-90, DLCO-56, DLCO-76, PPRC-44BC, and PPRC-27J) and four isolates of <i>Metarhizium ansopliae</i> (PPRC-51, DLCO23A, DLCO-91 and PPRC-02BC) species were tested for germination. Completely Randomized Design with three replications and probit analysis were used for data analysis by using SAS, GenStat and Microsoft excel. Eight isolates: APPRC 0247, DLCO 90, DLCO 56, DLCO 76, PPRC-44BC, PPRC-27J, PPRC-51 and PPRC-02BC which recorded higher germination were used for pathogenicity test against antestia bugs. All the tested isolates killed antestia bugs but their levels of efficacy differ across exposure time. Among tested isolates, PPRC-44BC and PPRC-27J registered complete mortality against antestia bugs and lower median lethal time, LT₅₀ (9.98 and 10.98 days, respectively). As a result these were taken as promising isolates and used for further isolates rate test. PPRC-44BC and PPRC-27J isolates applied at 1x10⁸ conidia ml^-1 killed all the tested antestia bugs in shorter exposure time. Even though PPRC-44BC and PPRC-27J isolates showed promising results under laboratory conditions, it needs further investigations on its formulation and under field conditions. Isolations of biocontrols from natural coffee growing areas and the effect of biocontrols against natural enemies should be studied.

Efficacy of biorationals against two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting green pepper cultivated under protected conditions

ABSTRACT Green Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. frutescens Linnaeus) is a highly nutritious and commercial vegetable crop grown in open field and protected conditions throughout the world. However, two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) causes major problems in its cultivation under protected conditions resulting in significant losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different biorationals against T. urticae under laboratory and poly-nethouse conditions. Results revealed that among all the biorational treatments, there was more than 80% reductionwith propargite and spiromesifen, whereas minimum reduction of mites was reported in HMO at 0.2% (35–41% mortality). In botanicals, ozoneem resulted in higher mortality (47–78%) as compared to homemade neem fruit aqueous extract (41–62%). Among entomopathogenic fungi, Beauvaria bassiana was found more effective with mortality range of 43–58% compared to Lecanicillium lecani. The predatory mite, Neoseiulus longispinosus reduced the pest mite population by 40–60% at different ratios. All treatments were found superior in reducing the population of pest mite over the untreated control, so these biorationals can be integrated for effective mite management programmes under protected conditions.

Association between chemical properties of vineyard soils and occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi causing different levels of mortality in Planococcus ficus

Global demand for environmentally friendly grapevine cultivation and pest control has necessitated an improved understanding of the relationship between soil properties and beneficial, naturally occurring antagonists such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Sixty six soil samples were collected from 22 vineyards in the Western Cape, South Africa. The association between soil nutrient status and EPF prevalence was examined. Fungi were isolated with methods of insect baiting and selective media. In addition, fungal isolates were tested against a key grapevine pest, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Pathogenicity of fungal strains against P. ficus was assessed with an immersion bioassay at a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia ml–1. Twenty-three fungal strains were isolated and correspondence analysis of data indicated a positive association between EPF (Metarhizium robertsii (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata [Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae]) occurrence and optimum to high levels of soil-based macronutrients (C, N and Ca). Logistic regression revealed that K was positively correlated with M. robertsii (estimate = 0.03 ± 0.01; P < 0.05; odds ratio = 1.03). Strains of Beauvaria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) caused the highest mortalities (77.0 ± 2.0% to 87.0 ± 3.0%). This study showed that some soil nutrient properties corresponded to greater occurrence of EPF in grapevine soils.

In vitro evaluation of biorationals and their mixed compounds against the melon aphid Aphis gossypii Glover

In recent days sucking pests are getting more attention due to their efficiency to withstand the chemical pesticides by various mechanisms like resistance and resurgence. Usage of chemical pesticides can be reduced by using the biorational pesticides. Biorationals are any type of insecticides active against pest populations, but relatively innocuous to non target organisms and therefore, helpful in biological control. Here some of the biorationals and their mixers are tested against aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) under laboratory condition in order to find the best biorational pesticide and their combination which leads maximum mortality of aphids and could serve as a better alternative for the chemical pesticides. Four botanicals {Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), Pongamia seed extract (PSE), Custard apple seed extract (CASE) and Asafoetida}, two entomopathogenic fungi (Beauvaria bassiana and Lecaenicillium lecanii), one organic oil product {Agricultural spray oil (ASO) @ 2ml/l} and five combinations of them has been tried. Among the combinations tested, Agricultural spray oil + Custard apple seed extract + Pongamia seed extract + Neem seed kernel extract (2:1:2:2) @5% has given higher cumulative mortality (100%) after 72 hrs of treatment. And the most efficient entomopathonenic fungus against A. gossypii was Lecaenicillium lecanii IOF 1 strain which gave the mortality percent of 83.40. The steps, results and the future aspects of the study are discussed briefly in this paper.

Gamma Radiation Potency to Potentiate Some Compounds For Controlling Three Cotton Boll Pests

A Field experiment was done at Plant Protection Research Institute Experimental Station, Qaha district, Qalubeiah governorate during 2018 & 2019 two cotton seasons. Thirteen compounds related to different groups were used; three of them were exposed to gamma radiation doses of 400 & 700 Gy for potentiating purpose. The treatments were Bacillus thuringiensis (Kurstaki), Beauvaria bassiana (Balsamo), B. thuringiensis +B. bassiana, B. bassiana+400 Gy, B. bassiana+700 Gy, azadirachtin, azadirachtin+400 Gy, azadirachtin+700 Gy, fertacho, fertacho+400 Gy, fertacho+700 Gy, profenofos and profenofos+amadene. The treatments aforementioned were evaluated against three pests of cotton bolls that were pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund); spiny bollworm, Earias insulana (Boisd.) and Cottonseed bug, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa) population and infestation reduction percentages. Profenofos+Amadene was considered the best treatments caused reduction percentages in population and infestations against three pests used, followed by profenofos as well as fertacho+ 700 Gy nearly, azadirachtin +700 Gy, fertacho + 400 Gy, azadirachtin + 400 Gy, fertacho, azadirachtin, B. bassiana+700 Gy, B. bassiana + 400 Gy, B. thuringiensis +B. bassiana, B. thuringiensis and B. bassiana. In addition, the compounds used enhance the most cotton crop parameters acts in seed numbers, lint and seed weights during the two cotton seasons 2018 & 2019. So, gamma radiation can potentiate the three compounds of B. bassiana, azadirachtin and fertacho to become the most effective compounds on aforementioned three pests and cotton crop parameters compared with the same compounds without exposing to gamma radiation.

The effect of entomopathogenic fungal culture filtrate on the immune response and haemolymph proteome of the large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis

The large pine weevil Hylobius abietis L. is a major forestry pest in 15 European countries, where it is a threat to 3.4 million hectares of forest. A cellular and proteomic analysis of the effect of culture filtrate of three entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) species on the immune system of H. abietis was performed. Injection with Metarhizium brunneum or Beauvaria bassiana culture filtrate facilitated a significantly increased yeast cell proliferation in larvae. Larvae co-injected with either Beauvaria caledonica or B. bassiana culture filtrate and Candida albicans showed significantly increased mortality. Together these results suggest that EPF culture filtrate has the potential to modulate the insect immune system allowing a subsequent pathogen to proliferate. Injection with EPF culture filtrate was shown to alter the abundance of protease inhibitors, detoxifing enzymes, antimicrobial peptides and proteins involved in reception/detection and development in H. abietis larvae. Larvae injected with B. caledonica culture filtrate displayed significant alterations in abundance of proteins involved in cellulolytic and other metabolic processes in their haemolymph proteome. Screening EPF for their ability to modulate the insect immune response represents a means of assessing EPF for use as biocontrol agents, particularly if the goal is to use them in combination with other control agents.

Effectiveness of Three Bio-Rational Products and a Traditional Insecticide against &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Thrips&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; spp. and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Bemisia tabaci&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Attacking Tomato Fields in Kafr El-Sheik Governorate, Egypt

Destructive effects of conventional insecticides on environment have created a necessity to introduce bio-rational products in pest control programs. Effectiveness of bio-pesticide (Beauvaria bassiana), natural oil (anti-insect), a botanical extract (nimbecidine) and malathion insecticide was evaluated against Thrips spp. and Bemisia tabaci attacking tomato in Kafr El Sheik, Egypt. The trial was conducted during two successive seasons; 2017-18 in a total area of 4912 m2 cultivated with tomato cultivar zero 42. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with five replications for each treatment. Yellow sticky traps were used to monitor population of both pests before and after spraying, in addition, their numbers on plants were counted. Results revealed that highest control rates of both pests were recorded after the fourth day of each spraying. Long inter-applications periods decreased effectiveness and the greatest control resulted when three consecutive sprayings were applied. Malathion achieved the highest suppression of both pests. Within the bio-rational pesticides, nimbecidine gave the greatest thrips control whereas products showed no significant difference for whiteflies. The study recommends those bio-rational compounds to join Integrated Pest Management programs of both pests in Egypt, taking into consideration spraying for 3 consecutive times with at least 5 days intervals.

FIELD EVALUATION OF SOME NON-CONVENTIONAL PESTICIDES ON FABA BEAN LEAF MINER AND ASSOCIATED PARASITOIDS

a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of some non-conventional pesticides against the leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) and its parasitoids on faba bean plants from November 2013 to March 2014. There were seven treatments viz, Beauvaria bassiana (biopower), diathane- M45, mineral oils (KZ and Kappi), (ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of casuarina leaves) and untreated control.. The results showed that, amongest the pesticides tested, Biopower 1.15%wp significantly reduced larvae population of leafminer by 83.54 and 79.48% mean percent mortality after the first spray and the second spray, respectively. Followed by ethanol extract of casuarina (63.51 and 60.49%). The rest of the treatments viz diathane M-45 (64.62 and 18.30), KZ oil (26.9 and 7.48%), also effective in minimizing the pest population after the first and the second spray application, respectively. Parasitoid species reared from larvae of L.trifoli werei, Diglyphus isaea (Walk.), D.crassinveris (Erdos.), Chrysocharis sp., Neochrysocharis sp. and Hemiptarsenus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Significantly higher seed yields were recorded from biopower, Diathane and ethanol casuarina leaves extract plots as compared to yields from KZ oil, ethyl acetate extract, kappi oil and untreated control